How to Start Your Own Tanning Business

by David Ingram, Demand Media

Tanning salons are popular in colder areas.

salon de coiffure image by reynald lassire from Fotolia.com

Tanning salons are widely popular in urban and suburban areas, and can be especially profitable in areas with long winter seasons. Tanning businesses require a relatively large upfront investment, but their subscription-based business model allows them to become highly profitable over time. Knowing how to start your own tanning business is the first step toward becoming successful in this growing industry.

Step 1

Create a business plan for your tanning salon. Use your business plan to outline the details of your company, services and products, financial plan, marketing plan and business model. Custom-tailor your business plan to each lender and investor you approach for startup funds, and be prepared to answer any questions about your business plan or company.

Step 2

Register your business name and obtain any licenses or permits required in your state and county. Business name registration requirements vary by state (See Resources).

Find a suitable store location in a high-traffic area. Choose a retail outlet that is large enough to accommodate the number of beds you plan to install, and which supports your high electrical demands. Find a location near complementary businesses, such as hair salons and spas, to maximize the amount of potential customers that view your store in passing.

Step 4

Purchase and install your first tanning beds and other fixtures. A range of tanning beds are on the market, each with its own quality standards and features. Buy new beds with new features as much as possible when opening your salon to gain a competitive advantage over existing players using older beds. Consider installing complementary fixtures, such as massage chairs, to make your salon stand out even more.

Step 5

Install your computer infrastructure. In addition to a Point-of-Sale system, install a Customer Relationship Management system to track customers' preferences, tanning times, prepayments and other information. Install a check-in system of some kind, whether using customer codes, swipe cards, magnetic keys or fingerprints to identify customers. Lastly, install a system to link the cashier's station to individual beds so that the cashier can set individual bed times from the front of the store.

Step 6

Market your tanning business to the public. Place large, attractive signage in your window to attract passers-by, and place coupons in local newspapers and circulars. Hire someone to stand outside your establishment with a sign announcing your grand opening, and offer grand opening discounts for new members.

About the Author

David Ingram has written for multiple publications since 2009, including "The Houston Chronicle" and online at Business.com. As a small-business owner, Ingram regularly confronts modern issues in management, marketing, finance and business law. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts in management from Walsh University.

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